$100,000 donated to California state parks

Chipotle Mexican Grill will donate $100,000 to support the California State Parks Foundation's (CSPF) Answer the Call fundraising campaign following a $22 million budget cut to state parks, resulting in the scheduled closure of up to 70 California parks on July 1.

On Saturday, June 30, the restaurant urges guests to take advantage of California's parks, the day before many of them close, by offering half off Burritos by the Box orders of six or more from its California restaurants.

As an added bonus, anyone that participates in the restaurant's promotion will receive a free day pass for the admittance of one vehicle into a California state park of their choice.

In addition to the monetary contribution, the restaurant's sponsorship also includes providing lunch and free meal cards for individuals who participate in CSPF's Park Champions Program and volunteer their time in state parks to fill in the gaps left by funding cuts.

"CSPF is thrilled to announce Chipotle Mexican Grill as our first corporate donor to our Answer the Call fundraising campaign, which was created to address the impending closure of dozens of state parks on July 1," said CSPF President Elizabeth Goldstein.

"Chipotle's generous contribution of $100,000 and its ongoing support throughout the year through restaurant promotions, membership incentives, and volunteer refreshment provisions will enable us to work to help keep parks open.

We look forward to partnering with them in various ways that will benefit state parks into the future." The restaurant is dedicated to supporting family farmers, cultivating more sustainable sources, and respecting and preserving green spaces. A cornerstone of the restaurant's business model is a commitment to providing premium quality ingredients that are accessible and affordable.

?Our commitment to sourcing local produce, pasture-raised dairy, and naturally raised meat is similar to CSPF's efforts to keep parks and open spaces accessible to all, and not attached to a hefty price tag,? said Chris Arnold, the restaurant's communications director.

?In the grand scheme of things, this donation is a small step in the right direction.

We hope to inspire our customers to explore the wonders of California's parks with burritos in tow and give back in their own way to CSPF.? To participate in the Burritos by the Box promotion, customers can pick up an order form from any California Chipotle, or log onto www.Chipotle.com and download a Burritos by the Box order form from their nearest location.

The order form allows customers to identify how many chicken, steak, carnitas, barbacoa or vegetarian burritos they would like to order.

The burritos come packed in a box with handles for easy transportation, along with sides of sour cream, chips, medium tomatillo-green chili salsa, and freshly made guacamole.

This offer is only available Saturday, June 30, at California restaurants on orders of six burritos or more. Guests participating in the promotion will also be treated to a free California State Park day pass, redeemable for admission for one vehicle at any state park.

For more information about California's state parks, visit calparks.org. CSPF recently launched Answer the Call, a major fundraising campaign that incorporates both immediate steps to stem the tide of park closures and a bold vision to safeguard, strengthen, and sustain parks through new models of excellence.